Howard's Way joins in concerns over the UK's growing obesity burden

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND, September 03, 2010

The NHS and, thereby, Britain's taxpayers are forking out millions of pounds every year to cope with the effects of obesity. Moreover, the UK's obesity issue shows no signs of abating as people pile on the pounds, indulging in fast food and sugary treats, and put their health at risk.

In 2008, the NHS spent some GBP45m on specialist medical equipment which included super-size wheelchairs, reinforced beds and bigger operating tables. The NHS currently spends around GBP5bn a year helping people with weight problems and, with obesity levels on the increase, it's predicted the NHS will be spending up to GBP6.3bn on obesity-related expenditure by 2015.

With one in four people in Britain now classed as clinically obese, studies reveal that around 30,000 deaths a year in England alone are caused by obesity. Some reports estimate that one in 11 deaths is attributable to being overweight.

Penelope Howard, obesity specialist and the founder of the Howard's Way very low calorie diet (VLCD), commented: "Obesity raises the risk of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and depression - and it can shorten a person's life.

"So, since 1997, we at Howard's Way have been doing something practical to stem the rising tide of adult obesity in the UK - helping more than 2,000 people to lose more then three stones in weight each," she revealed. "We now have four Weight Loss Centres in London and the south east of England but we have a UK-wide presence through our 'distance dieter' programme."

A number of Howard's Way patients are happy to testify publicly to being healthier, happier and fitter since embarking on the Howard's Way diet. These include:
• Shelley Williams, who lost nine and a half stones in weight in 29 weeks and is now back running, swimming - and climbing Ben Nevis this month to raise money for charity.

• Alan Dean, who, so far, has lost 28 kilos in 11 weeks but gained over GBP2,000 in savings in food bills.

• Kelly Whistance, who lost 53 pounds in weight, ten centimetres from her chest measurement, 18 centimetres from her waist, 14 centimeters from her hips and went down four dress sizes.

• Kim Day, who lost over 56 pounds some ten years ago and, subsequently, has successfully kept the weight off.

• Melanie Boucher, who lost weight with the Howard's Way diet, received a proposal of marriage and 'tied the knot' on 1st May 2010.

Howard's Way is more than the 'total food replacement' (TFR) treatment of the Howard's Way VLCD programme, as Penelope explained: "We aim to teach our patients about nutritional values of food; how to see past misleading advertising on food; how their bodies use different foods, and which foods - such as white sugar - are likely to have an addictive quality about them. Secondly, we want to keep them nutritionally supported and healthy while they shed their excess weight at the rate of 14 to 21 pounds every four weeks while they are on the programme."

According to Penelope, the Howard's Way VLCD:
• helps patients lose all the weight they want to lose
• keeps them fit and healthy while they do so
• re-educates them on the properties; values and dangers of foods for their future weight management
• offers free support and guidance for life

For further details about Howard's Way, visit http://www.howardsway.co.uk

For pictures of the Howard's Way dieters mentioned in this story - and/or to interview these people - please contact Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR (tel 01727 860405; email bob.little@boblittlepr.com)

About Howard's Way VLCD

Penelope Howard had been researching into very low calorie diets (VLCDs) and weight loss since 1992 and worked with obese patients and a VLCD for some five years before she founded Howard's Way in 1998.

Those enrolling on the Howard's Way VLCD initially agree to an 18 week programme involving regular meetings twice weekly for the first four weeks, then once a week from there on. For the 'Distance Dieter' these meetings are replaced with one-to-one 'support calls' every week. In addition, Howard's Way staff try to speak to those beginning the diet for at least five minutes a day to provide vital 'moral' support.

Howard's Way recognises that the hardest struggle is maintaining lost weight. So, while dieting, all patients are talked through weekly handouts to gain knowledge and understanding on the workings of their body and the effects of eating certain foodstuffs. Additionally, Howard's Way Maintenance support is 'free of charge for life' for all our dieters.

Typically, most patients lose at least three stones (20 kilos) in weight, men often much more, in the first 12 weeks of the diet. Those who choose to carry on with the diet continue to lose about a stone (6.5 kilos) every four weeks.

The Howard's Way VLCD comprises specially formulated foods, in the form of: milk shakes; soups; and fruit bars; containing the full complement of vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fatty acids that an adult requires but restricting the calorific intake, to induce a state of 'mild dietary ketosis' after day three of the diet.

Further information from:
Penelope Howard: + 44 (0)1923 773851 / penny@croxley.demon.co.uk
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR: +44 (0)1727 860405 / bob.little@boblittlepr.com

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